Chris Izworski's daily Michigan birding report turns to Wayne County this morning, where the post-breeding lull is giving way to early shorebird activity and late-summer congregations of swallows over the marshes. The past two weeks have turned up 117 species in the county, with Sandhill Cranes dominating the count at Crosswinds Marsh, where 28 individuals were logged as recently as yesterday.
What's Moving Through Wayne County Right Now
Crosswinds Marsh continues to be the reliable draw for wading birds and rails. The 28 Sandhill Cranes there represent the highest count of any species in the county over the past 14 days, and that concentration is worth a direct trip if you need them. Waterford Pond on the east public access has been equally productive, with 20 Double-crested Cormorants and 12 Great Egrets reported yesterday. That same location is also hosting 8 Barn Swallows, part of the late-summer gathering behavior that shows up across the county's marshes and open water this time of year.
The shorebird pulse is beginning. Least Sandpipers, five individuals at Wick Rd. GLWA Pond on the 25th, signal that migration is underway even if it is not yet in full swing. Lake Erie Metropark, which holds the county's all-time species record at 279 documented species, logged Common Gallinules, Carolina Wrens, Eastern Warbling Vireos, and a Lesser Scaup in the past two weeks. That diversity makes it the safest bet for variety on any given morning.
Rare Birds Flagging On eBird
There is actual news this cycle. A Red-headed Woodpecker appeared at Campau Rd. and Pte. Mouillee Headquarters on July 22. Red-headed Woodpeckers are never common in Wayne County, and this sighting is worth noting for anyone working that area. A Blue Grosbeak was reported at the Clark and Oakville Waltz Rds. field on July 18, another notable record given the rarity of that species in this part of the Lower Peninsula. Lesser Black-backed Gulls have appeared at multiple sites: Elizabeth Park in Trenton and Rotary Park have hosted singles within the past five days. These are not statistical flukes but legitimate sightings that suggest different migrant pressures than usual for late July.
Weather and Timing
Today calls for a 33 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with temperatures reaching 86 degrees and light WSW winds from 3 to 8 mph. The dawn chorus window runs from 5:48 to 7:48 AM, and while the chance of rain is not overwhelming, the threat of afternoon activity means an early start is wise if you are targeting vocalization. The weak WSW wind is not particularly favorable for pushing new migrants into the county, but it is stable enough that any birds already here should be settled and visible. Tonight's low of 70 degrees suggests another warm night, which may slow down any overnight movement from the south.
Tomorrow looks similar: 87 degrees with rain chances increasing slightly and WSW winds from 3 to 10 mph. If the rain moves in as forecast, it could concentrate birds along shelter lines and in marshes, making early morning tomorrow a possibility as well.
Where To Invest Your Time
Lake Erie Metropark remains the logical starting point for a Wayne County morning. Its 279 all-time species represent the accumulated draw of the area, and with yesterday's Lesser Scaup and established populations of cormorants, egrets, and warblers, the odds of a productive few hours are strong. If you are chasing the Sandhill Cranes specifically, Crosswinds Marsh is the only justified stop; 28 birds do not show up everywhere.
For a second location, Campau Rd. and Pte. Mouillee Headquarters deserves a visit if you are willing to search for the Red-headed Woodpecker. It has already attracted 248 all-time species, so the habitat supports depth even if the woodpecker does not show again.
The eBird data for Wayne County over the past 14 days reflects a quiet period in the broader birding calendar, but the rare sightings and concentrated counts at the marsh sites indicate that movement is present if you know where to look. This is the time when early shorebirds mix with lingering breeders, and that transition is worth watching.
For the live county map and complete eBird data, visit https://birding.chrisizworski.com.